One of the core tenets of our democracy is the rule of law. When it breaks down democracy is in jeopardy.

Our statutes are filled with laws that govern the way we live. They ensure that we live in a peaceful and orderly society.

Traffic laws are an integral part of these laws. When we do not follow the law, we are challenging the institution of democracy.

The Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, has stressed the importance of obedience to these laws.

He talked about his experience of seeing two trucks that were pulled over at night by the Lands Transport Authority staff. The trucks were in breach of loading capacity and operating late at night. The drivers are responsible for the breaking up of our roads.

There are many examples out there of traffic viola­tions. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum makes the pertinent point that people want our facilities to be modernised. But when it comes to looking after them we fail miser­ably. The two truck drivers are perfect examples.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum called for a change of attitude.

One example is the vandalising of bus stops and road signs put there for our benefit.

The Fiji Roads Au­thority has erected new bus stop shel­ters to shield people from the rain and sun. But vandals have come along and caused damage through spray paint­ing and defacing of structures.

All these facilities cost a lot of money to put up.

These kinds of senseless acts dem­onstrate the lack of civic pride among our people.

There are many other examples that show that we lack that civic pride – the inspiration to do the right thing.

Reckless driving, overspeeding, park­ing in no parking zones, overloading, not wearing the seatbelt, expired licence and wheel tax and unserviced vehicles create unnecessary pressure on our roads, the LTA, the Police and mo­torists who follow the law.

Drivers, who fail to comply with LTA requirements, are putting at risk their lives and the lives of inno­cent people.

They are not only selfish, but downright stupid and should face the full brunt of the law. People who have no regard or respect for other people should be given appropriate penalties to deter others who have the same kind of mentality.

We must take heed of Mr Sayed-Khaiyum’s mes­sage. The LTA and the Police cannot handle this re­sponsibility of keeping our roads safe on their own.

They need all our help and contribution to make a difference.